State Park Ranger Captain

Kentucky Transportation; Kentucky; On-site; USD 44,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kentucky Department of Parks is seeking a State Park Ranger Captain assigned to the Eastern Region. The role supervises Sergeants and Rangers, approves schedules and leave, and serves as a liaison with Park Management.

The incumbent prepares administrative and operational reports, coordinates special events and investigations, and assists the State Park Ranger Colonel as needed. Strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Education: High school graduate.
• Experience: 10 years law enforcement as sworn police officer with 3 years supervisory experience.
• Special requirements: Must be twenty-one years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Certification: Must be a Kentucky POPS certified sworn police officer or reciprocity from KELC.
• Probationary period: 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Supervise State Park Rangers and Sergeants in the Eastern Region.
• Approve schedules for Sergeants and Rangers and approve leave.
• Act as liaison between Rangers and Park Management.
• Prepare administrative and operational reports.
• Coordinate special events, internal investigations, and assist the State Park Ranger Colonel.

Skills

Law enforcement experience

Supervisory experience

Education

High school graduate

Job description

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9/4/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

2604453

State Park Ranger Captain

Pay Grade 15

Salary

$3,960.94 - $5,941.50 Monthly

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Hiring Agency

Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet | Kentucky Department of Parks

Location

Location Varies

Description

The State Park Ranger Captain is assigned to a home park and is responsible for conducting captain duties from that home park. It shall be located within the Eastern Region. This region includes Grayson Lake State Park, Greenbo Lake State Park, Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Paintsville Lake State Park, Yatesville Lake State Park, Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Carr Creek State Park, Dr. Thomas Walker State Park, Kingdom Come State Park, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Carter Caves State Resort Park, and Pine Mountain State Resort Park.

If you have a desire for meeting folks and watching out for them as well as traveling to our beautiful State Parks, then this job as a Kentucky State Park Ranger Captain may be for you. It offers the opportunity to work outdoors in Kentucky’s beautiful State Parks.

The Kentucky State Park Rangers have an immediate opening as a State Park Ranger Captain serving the Eastern Region of the State. The State Park Ranger Captain is responsible for the supervision of State Park Ranger Sergeants and Rangers in his/her region.

The State Park Ranger Captain approves schedules for the Sergeants and Rangers and acts as a liaison between the Rangers and Park Management. He or she also approves leave, reviews reports and disseminates information to subordinates and superiors as well as preparing administrative and operational reports. Other duties include coordinating: special events, conducting internal investigations and assisting the State Park Ranger Colonel as required.

The candidate are required to have law enforcement experience as sworn Police Officer with supervisory experience. The ideal candidate must also have excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to make decisions, work well with others and work with minimal supervision.

If you enjoy the outdoors, working independently and believe you possess the skills to become a State Park Ranger Captain consider applying today.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: High school graduate.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have 10 years of law enforcement experience as a sworn police officer with 3 of those years as supervisory experience.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must be twenty-one years of age. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license to qualify for employment in this job classification. Must be a Kentucky Peace Officer Professional Standards (POPS) certified sworn police officer or able to provide proof of reciprocity from the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council at time of employment if a law enforcement officer from another state. Employees in this job title are subject to the provisions of KRS Chapter 15 and 503 KAR 1:140 relating to peace officer certification as administered by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification (s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.

Working Conditions

Conditions are consistent with other law enforcement officers. Must work in all types of weather. Travels extensively throughout assigned area in performance of duties.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Captain Kenneth Prater at [e-mail].

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D